MotoGp, doors open to new brands, but Ezpeleta warns: "Only with existing teams"

Bologna, 10 December 2024 – A MotoGP world in constant evolution, but always with the risk of a crisis around the corner. KTM is severely hit by a significant debt mountain and doubts about the future in the racing world hover in the paddock of the world championship. In 2025 the Austrians should race with four bikes, two official and two satellite, but the recent financial crisis could also compromise the sporting structure and the updates on the Moto GP season. "90% of the time we race, but we don't know about the updates", said Carlo Feathered, manager of bastianini who has signed with KTM for next season. In short, there is concern and even in Dorna you can perceive a certain apprehension about the possibility that KTM will actually be able to put the four bikes on the track. It is no coincidence that recently there has been talk again of possible new entries, in particular of BMW e Suzuki.

Ezpeleta: “Open door, but without increasing the number of pilots”

Suzuki's boss recently reopened the door to a return to MotoGP, abandoned in 2022, while BMW seems to have slowed down a bit despite the presence of Toprak Razgatlioglu, who wants a chance in the world championship in 2026 after dominating Superbike. For now, the Germans have not committed themselves to a landing in Moto GP, of which they are partners, but Dorna is looking around, just in case the situation of KTM were to degenerate. However, there is no room to increase the number of riders, because the organizers want to remain at 22, therefore with 11 teams on the grid. This means that any new entries are subject to an agreement with a team already present. This, in any case, does not mean closing the doors to new brands, which would always be welcome to give even more credibility and spectacle to the world championship. This is, in fact, what Carlos said Ezpeleta, Dorna sports director: "The door is open but it must happen with an agreement with existing teams", his words to Relevo. Moto GP is in a good state of health according to Ezpeleta and a new brand could further increase visibility: “The championship is going through an incredible moment and with more factories it could improve, but the goal is not to exceed the number of 22 riders in the race”, the manager warned. Also important is the technical regulation, which will soon change with fewer devices, no lowering devices, less aerodynamics, and 800cc engines: “We must try to establish a regulation that allows new entries with a reasonable investment and that has an effect on the activity”. Who knows, maybe the new regulations could attract Suzuki, which won the title in 2020 with Joan Mir and then retired in 2022. The Suzuki president let himself go in a recent interview: “We will return to the world of racing”. Read also - Dall'Igna and Ducati's dominance: "When you win big you become unpleasant"